small tank fish compatibility question

**elpia** · 11-11-2012, 08:05 PM

Hi,
I have finally managed to get my 15 gallon tank cycled (it felt like it took forever!).
It currently has 7 small neon tetras in it. Just wondering what else to add to round it out nicely?

My local pet store gave me suggestions, but the girl looked about 17 and was nervous... So I am not 100% confident and I do not want my tank overstocked....

A few that she showed me that I really liked were the panda cory and also the mickey mouse platy. I have been researching online since I got home, but feeling nervous to add anything else now...

Any advice would be appreciated.

**inuudo** · 11-11-2012, 08:27 PM

I would double the size of the neon school first.

**icefreeze57** · 11-11-2012, 08:44 PM

Yeah you can get a bunch more neons. Wouldn't get Corys yet you will need a bigger tank if you end up getting a full school you'll want the bigger tank.

**~firefly~** · 11-11-2012, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by inuudo

I would double the size of the neon school first.

+1 to this.

Cories might be a bit cramped in there (should be in proper-sized schools of 5/6+). You could look at otocinclus...but again, I think they need to be in schools to be really happy. I have 10 in my 30 gallon and they are always hanging out together...very close.

How about a few shrimp? What are your water parameters?

**ryann** · 11-11-2012, 09:08 PM

+1 to the above

No to cories, they need a bigger tank to really move around and be happy. I would say go all neons and maybe a few shrimp as recommended by firefly. It would be only 1 species but I think it would look really nice and it's hard to do a whole lot else with a tank that small.

**fishmommie** · 11-11-2012, 09:28 PM

+ to what everyone has said. You could also add a yellow and a blue apple snail for additional color and movement. Yes, I said movement LOL. Those guys really get around and are a fun addition to a tank

Congratulations on completing your cycle BTW!

**elpia** · 11-11-2012, 10:39 PM

Thanks for the advice!

It actually makes me feel better. The neons had been doing so well, I was frightened to add something else and have everything die!

Its funny because the pet store people told me the cory would "take care of additional waste in the tank" and that I only needed 1... I specifically asked if they needed a school!!

**imma24** · 11-12-2012, 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by elpia

Thanks for the advice!

It actually makes me feel better. The neons had been doing so well, I was frightened to add something else and have everything die!

Its funny because the pet store people told me the cory would "take care of additional waste in the tank" and that I only needed 1... I specifically asked if they needed a school!!

Which is why you should ask here before taking advice from the LFS. It's the tank owner who takes "care of additional waste" via water changes, scraping algae and vacuuming substrate - you're wise for asking before purchasing!

**steeler1** · 11-12-2012, 02:34 AM

Years ago dealers would always tell you, you needed a "scavanger fish" for your tank and unfortunately Cory's, Clown Loach's, Red Tailed sharks ect; got shoved into tanks to small from them. And we all got told that Cories only needed to be kept by themselves or pairs. The LFS where I live still splits up their Cories and put's them in seperate tanks. They just roll thier eyes when you suggest they could all be kept together.